68B-8.010. Stock Collection and Release Special Activity License

(1) PURPOSE. The purpose of a Stock Collection and Release SAL is to ensure that activities which involve the collection of broodstock or wild stock and the release of captive-bred offspring or captive-reared wild stock for scientific research, stock enhancement, or stock restoration purposes are conducted in a manner that preserves the health and genetic diversity of the wild stock native to Florida waters and the adjacent EEZ. Scientific research, stock enhancement, or stock restoration activities that are conducted to fulfill mitigation requirements established by other state or federal agencies are not exempt from the provisions and requirements of this rule.

(2) ELIGIBILITY. A Stock Collection and Release SAL may be issued only to the following:

(a) An applicant eligible to receive a Scientific Research SAL pursuant to Rule 68B-8.006, F.A.C.

(b) An owner, director, or manager of a certified aquaculture facility that holds a valid aquaculture certificate of registration issued pursuant to Section 597.004, F.S., and Chapter 5L-3, F.A.C.

(3) FEES AND APPLICATION.

(a) The processing fee for a Stock Collection and Release SAL is $25.00. A processing fee is non-refundable.

(b) An applicant for a Stock Collection and Release SAL must complete and submit a Stock Collection and Release SAL application provided by the Commission (Form DMF-SCRSAL (9/09)).

(4) EVALUATION CRITERIA. In addition to the evaluation criteria set forth in subsection 68B-8.004(2), F.A.C., an application for a Stock Collection and Release SAL will be evaluated via genetic risk assessment using the flowchart entitled, “Decision Process for the Genetic Risk Assessment of Release Activities Involving Marine Organisms, September 2009” (which is hereby adopted as a rule of the Commission and is incorporated herein by reference) and based on information contained in the applicant’s Hatchery and Genetic Management Plan (HGMP) that must be submitted as part of the application process. The information requested in the HGMP is designed to address four primary genetic concerns: potential impacts from translocations of non-indigenous genes, potential impacts from propagation-related genetic changes in cultured fish, potential impacts from excessive genetic input into natural populations, and indirect genetic impacts.

(5) RELEASE REQUIREMENTS.

(a) A Stock Collection and Release SAL holder must coordinate all release activities with the Commission and obtain written authorization prior to conducting any release. A release shall not be conducted without written authorization from the Commission.

(b) A marine organism will not be authorized for release unless it has been maintained in accordance with the Captivity Requirements set forth in the “Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Policy on the Release of Marine Organisms.”

(c) Captive-bred or captive-reared marine organisms authorized for release must be distinguishable from wild marine organisms so that estimates of project success may be obtained through monitoring. The method used to identify captive-bred or captive-reared marine organisms is at the discretion of the SAL holder conducting the release. Potential distinguishing methods include but are not limited to internal or external mechanical tags, chemical marks, or genetic tags. All costs incurred in the fulfillment of this provision or any other provision of Rule 68B-8.010, F.A.C., will be the responsibility of the SAL holder.

(d) Prior to release, a representative sample of the marine organisms targeted for release must be submitted for a health examination. This examination must be conducted under the direction of a United States Department of Agriculture-certified veterinarian with fish health experience, or an American Fisheries Society-certified fish pathologist or fish health inspector. Exam results must be summarized in a USDA Health Certificate or a letter. The certificate or letter must state that the organisms are suitable for release into the wild.

(6) REPORTING AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS. A Stock Collection and Release SAL holder must submit the following:

(a) An activity report detailing all SAL-related harvest and release activities. The activity report is a report other than any publications or technical, monitoring, or final reports. The activity report must include common and scientific names of the marine organisms harvested and released (both targeted and incidental), numbers and sizes harvested and released, locations of harvest and release by county, and disposition of all marine organisms harvested. The activity report for a Stock Collection and Release SAL involving prohibited species must also include the specific harvesting gear used. If mortality of a prohibited species occurred during harvest or subsequent possession, the report must indicate the cause of death if known.

(b) A copy of any publications, technical, monitoring, or final reports that were generated as a result of work conducted pursuant to the SAL. These reports must include the notation that research was conducted pursuant to the specific Commission Special Activity License.

(c) A post-release genetic monitoring program shall be required if there was insufficient information to determine the genetic impact of activities under the SAL, or if evaluation of the proposed activity determines that the genetic risks have not been minimized.

Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. History–New 7-1-04, Amended 11-19-09.